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Moving to Cuba

Many expats thinking about moving to Cuba are deterred by its communist heritage and uncertain international relations. The difficulty in meeting the requirements for settling in Cuba mean the country’s expat population is nowhere near as large as those of other Caribbean destinations like Costa Rica.

However, this should in no way dissuade an expat from moving to Cuba. Cuba is nothing if not an exciting, new experience. Those who take the plunge will encounter a political system that’s very different from the one they may be used to. Decades of American embargos on Cuba coupled with policies that have historically inhibited foreign investment and stunted economic growth. In recent years, the country has been slowly implementing reforms to the economy. There have also been efforts to decrease the number of people in the state’s employ and increase involvement in private enterprise. Free trade zones have opened up, and import-export laws have relaxed. Greater numbers of Cubans in the workforce are self-employed and pay tax to the government. These changes suggest a bright future with many opportunities for expats. The biggest industries in Cuba are the farming and exporting of goods such as sugar, tobacco and coffee, and the tourism industry is growing.

Cuba has also managed to build up reputable education and healthcare systems, and the medical tourism industry has played an important role in the country’s economy for a number of years. However, the ailing infrastructure leaves much to be desired. There are very few international schools in Cuba – all of which are in the country’s capital.

Cuba is a relatively safe country. The biggest dangers are from natural disasters and poor infrastructure. Expats should take note that the hurricane season runs from June to November, and extreme weather can be a safety issue. Crime, especially opportunistic theft, is on the increase, so expats should avoid walking around Havana alone at night and make sure to use only legitimate taxis and tour operators.

Expat Interviews

"Havana is wonderfully safe. I can walk home alone at 3am, children play freely in the streets and around their neighbourhoods. Cubans, on the whole, have a wicked sense of humour which also makes it much easier and fun to face all the challenges of living here". Conner Gorry is a journalist and writer who has lived and worked in Havana since 2002. Read more about Conner's take on the challenges and triumphs of expat life in Cuba in her interview with Expat Arrivals.

Are you an expat living in Cuba?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Cuba. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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